Latest News About Stink Bugs

Here’s the latest on stink bugs.

• What they are: Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are an invasive species in North America, known for feeding on a wide range of crops and for emitting a strong odor when disturbed. They’re a common household nuisance in autumn as they seek indoor shelter.[1][7]
• Recent trends: Reports over the past few years note expanding habitat and rising numbers in various regions, with climate and weather patterns influencing year-to-year abundance. Some sources highlight northward and westward expansion potential under changing climate, though local outcomes vary by precipitation and mitigation efforts.[7][1]
• Impacts: BMSB can damage fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals and cause economic losses in agriculture. They’re tracked by agricultural extension services and pest-management programs because of their agricultural and nuisance impact.[3][10][7]
• Home management: For households, the typical guidance remains to seal entry points, reduce indoor attractants, and use non-chemical barriers where possible. If you encounter them indoors, capture and relocate them or use non-harmful methods; chemical sprays around the home are generally discouraged for safety and effectiveness reasons.[6][7]
• Where to learn more: Official resources from EPA and university extension services provide up-to-date identification, monitoring, and control recommendations. Local advisories can vary by region due to climate and crop patterns.[5][7]

If you want, I can tailor this to your area (New York City area) and summarize current local monitoring efforts or provide a checklist for home prevention this season. I can also pull the most recent local news items if you’d like.